Why was Rishabh Pant sent before KL Rahul in 1st Test match against Bangladesh?

The most-awaited Test series between India and Bangladesh has finally started at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The very first day has been quite eventful as Bangladesh won the toss and put India to bat first. But things didn't go as planned by the Indian team as they lost three early wickets of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill. After losing the third wicket, Rishabh Pant walked into the crease ahead of KL Rahul. 

While this move was both risky and thoughtful, fans seemed a bit curious about the mindset of the management behind this. If we analyze the situation, India were 34-3 when Pant came to bat. Ideally, Rahul should have come ahead of Pant since he has more experience, and after losing three wickets, India should have gone for a more defensive approach. However, the Rohit Sharma-led team did the opposite. 

Sending in Pant meant India wanted to go for an attacking approach and were looking to get some quick runs on the board. The gamble worked for the hosts as both Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed the bowling attack confidently. The left-handers are known for their fearless batting and they showed it quite perfectly. Before lunch, India's score was 88 runs at the loss of three wickets. 

With the presence of these players, the hosts can look for a good total on the board. After Pant and Jaiswal, Rahul, Jadeja, and Ashwin will be there to handle the batting attack. Now, the current batters have to stay for two more sessions and then a decent total will be registered. On the other hand, Bangladesh's star bowler was Hasan Mahmud who destroyed the top order with his brilliant bowling at the start of the match. 

Also Watch: Rishabh Pant and Litton Das involved in heated argument during 1st day of Chennai Test

Know more about Hasan Mahmud, who dismantled India's top-order

With the overcast conditions, Bangladesh's medium-pacer Hasan Mahmud proved to be a nightmare for the Indian batters. Throughout his spell, he bowled the perfect line and length and troubled the batters. He knew the weakness of the players way too well which came in handy for him. India were prepared for Nahid Rana, but Mahmud came out of the syllabus. 

Nobody expected him to be a walking nightmare for India. The wicket of Virat Kohli was a proof that Mahmud was mentally prepared to face India and dismantle the batting attack. However, Pant and Jaiswal have restored the situation really well, and the hosts should score at least 400 runs to get a positive result at the end of the game.